Happy 15th Birthday, Merel Family Law!
There’s been a lot of change for Merel Family Law in the past 15 years. From rapid growth and expansion of services to a full rebrand in December of 2023, things are starting to look a lot different here. Under the careful stewardship of Founder and Managing Principal, Jonathan Merel, that growth has helped us […]
Can I Spend Money While Going Through a Divorce?
When you are going through a divorce, it can feel like your life comes to a standstill while you work out the detail with your former spouse. This process is particularly frustrating when it comes to dealing with your finances. How will finances be shared while the divorce is still in process? What are you […]
The Essential Guide to Creating a Comprehensive Parenting Plan
Creating a comprehensive parenting plan is crucial for divorced or separated parents to ensure the well-being and stability of their children. In this blog post, we will delve into the key aspects of a parenting plan and provide practical tips to address common issues that may arise. At Merel Family Law, we understand the importance […]
How to Modify Child Support in Illinois
Child Support is a critical component of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. In Illinois, as in many other states, child support orders are established to provide financial support for the upbringing of children. However, life circumstances can change, and sometimes the existing child support order may no longer be […]
Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases: What Illinois Family Courts Consider
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless families across the United States, including in the state of Illinois. In cases of domestic violence, the family courts play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of victims while making fair and just decisions. To achieve this, the Illinois family courts must carefully […]
Legal vs. DIY Divorce: Which Is Right for Your Situation?
Divorce is never an easy process. It’s an emotionally charged and complex journey that often involves a myriad of decisions, from asset division to child custody arrangements. One of the most important choices you’ll make during this time is whether to pursue a traditional legal divorce or opt for a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Both paths […]
How Does Divorce Affect Women?
Divorce is a life-changing event that affects both men and women, but studies have shown that women often experience more negative effects both financially and emotionally. For many women, divorce can lead to financial instability, loss of social support, and a decline in their mental health. As a family law firm that often represents women going […]
How a Second Marriage Can Impact Children
Remarrying after a divorce is a time for celebration—for the most part. It might not be obvious, but many children of divorce can harbor negative emotions about their parent entering a second marriage. Feelings like jealousy, insecurity, and abandonment, for example, can dampen the entire experience, which is meant to be a celebration of love. Although parents […]
With Teen Parents, Who Is Responsible for Child Support?
When it comes to teen parents, child support is often complicated. Because the parents of the child may be considered minors themselves, there may even be instances when their parents are required to pay child support. In this blog article we’ll discuss issues of paternity, teenage child support, and the potential legal impact on any grandparents. […]
Homestead Rights in Illinois
The word “homestead” might bring to mind how the U.S. western territory was settled, by allowing any American to put in a claim on up to 160 acres of federal land. The only price was a small filing fee. A lot has changed since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act in 1862. What Does […]